Question

Which is non-metal (excluding noble gas)?
A. P
B. Q
C. R
D. S

Answer 1

Non-metals generally have high values of ionization energies and among all the elements, one has the second highest value and the element T has the highest value which is a noble gas.

Complete step by step answer:
Among all the options, element P is non-metal. Among the given elements, the first ionization energy has the second highest value for the element P. The highest value of ionization energy is for element T which is a noble gas. Non-metals are known for having high values of ionization energies.
Phosphorus (P) is a non-metal that sits just below nitrogen element in group 15 of the periodic table. This element exists in many different forms, among which white and red are the best known. White phosphorus is actually known as the more exciting of the two.
Hence, Option, ‘ A. P’ is correct.

Additional information:
- Phosphorus (P) is a non-metal that sits just below nitrogen element in group 15 of the periodic table. This element exists in many different forms, among which white and red are the best known. White phosphorus is actually known as the more exciting of the two.
- The letter “Q” actually does not occur in any official element name. Although, it was the temporary name known for element number 114. After the official discovery, element 114 later was named flerovium.
- Sulphur (S) is the tenth most common element by mass in the whole universe, and the fifth most common element on Earth. Although sometimes found in pure, and native form, sulphur on Earth generally occurs as sulfide and sulfate form of minerals.

Note: By checking the options, this question can become quite clear as not all of them are elements named in the periodic table. Also hints make the question much more understandable. Here, element P is non-metal among all the given options.